BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment V1 – Verified Questions & Answers (2026/2027 Edition, Nightingale College)

BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment V1 Exam (ACTUAL EXAM)
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS (NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE)
2026\2027 A+ Grade


The nurse is performing a thoracic assessment on a client with chronic asthma and hyperinflation of the
lungs. Which finding should be expected for this client?
- correct answer Barrel chest



The nurse is assessing bowel sounds for a hospitalized client. The nurse has heard bowel sounds in the
right upper quadrant. What action should the nurse take next?
- correct answer Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds



During inspection of a client's mouth and pharynx, the nurse places a tongue blade on the back of the
tongue which causes the client to gag. After removing the tongue blade, what action should the nurse
take?
- correct answer Document an intact gag reflex.



When teaching a client how to perform a monthly breast self-assessment, the nurse should tell the
client that it is most important to assess which part of the breast more closely for changes?
- correct answer Upper outer quadrant.



The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal client who has a BMI of 32. The client has a chest
measurement of 42 inches, waist measurement of 45 inches, and hip measurement of 50 inches. What
important message should the nurse explain to the client to promote health promotion?
- correct answer A waist circumference is greater than 35 inches in women puts you at higher risk for
type 2 diabetes and heart disease."



The nurse performs a physical assessment on an older female client. Which change from the prior exam
may be an indication of osteoporosis?
- correct answer Height reduction of 1.5 inches.

,While conducting an interview to obtain a health history, the nurse notices that the client pauses
frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
- correct answer Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably.



A client is in the clinical for a yearly physical examination. Which action should the nurse take when
preparing to examine the client's abdomen?
- correct answer Ask the client to urinate before beginning the examination.



Which respiratory condition should the nurse document after measuring a respiratory rate of 8
breaths/minute?
- correct answer Bradypnea.



Which procedure should the nurse use to assessfor a pulse deficit?
- correct answer Measure the apical pulse and compare it to the peripheral pulse.



*A pulse deficit is a palpable difference between the apical pulse at the point of maximal impulse and
the radial pulse palpated at the wrist.



A client has been diagnosed with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis. What percussion sound should the
nurse expect to hear when percussing over the client's lower lobes?
- correct answer Dull, thud-like.



A client is being assessed upon admission to the medical-surgical unit. The nurse is preparing to
complete a head-to-toe assessment and will begin at the head of the client. Which technique should the
nurse use to begin the assessment?
- correct answer Inspect the hair and skin.



The nurse is assessing a healthy young adult during an annual physical examination. Which assessment
technique should the nurse implement when palpating the abdominal aorta?
- correct answer Deep palpation above and to the left of the umbilicus.



The nurse is conducting a family history as part of the assessment interview. Which action should the
nurse take to ensure that sufficient information about the client's blood relatives is obtained?
- correct answer Document at least 3 generations of the client's family medical history.

, The nurse is testing the client's shoulders for range of motion. What should the nurse document to
record normal internal rotation?
- correct answer Range of 90 degrees when the hands are placed at the small of the back.



A client presents with a rash along the occipital area of the hairline and reports intense itching. How
should the nurse begin the objective part of the examination?
- correct answer Inspect the scalp looking for nits.



The nurse is assessing a client's range of motion as the client bends the right knee up to the chest while
keeping the left leg straight, but is unable to keep the left thigh on the table. The assessment is repeated
for the left knee, and the client is unable to keep the right thigh on the table. How should the nurse
document this finding?
- correct answer A flexion deformity referred to as a positive Thomas test.



During a skin asssessment, the nurse notes, round and discrete lesions that are dark red in color and will
not blanch. The lesions range from 1 to 3 mm in size. What is the first question the nurse should ask the
client?
- correct answer Have you notice any irregular bleeding



A client with progressive hearing loss appears distressed when the registered nurse (RN) asks open-
ended questions about the client's health history. Which forms of communication should the RN use?
- correct answer Face the client so the client can see the RN's mouth.

Check if the client's hearing aides are working properly.

Reduce environmental noise surrounding the client.



A client states that she had a mastectomy of her left breast last year and now experiences lymphedema.
What should the nurse expect to find when examining the client?
- correct answer Swelling of the left arm and non-pitting edema.



A client has just returned from the recovery room and asks to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. The
nurse decides to obtain orthostatic vital signs first. How will the nurse position the client to begin this
procedure?
- correct answer Lying.